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Hi friends, welcome back! I am officially kicking off the holiday season on my blog with my annual Christmas Bucket List. I’m starting early because there’s a lot to cover. Last year I didn’t make it to any decorations except those within walking distance of my apartment, so I’m excited to make my regular rounds again. The department stores must know I’m back in action because they’re decorating even earlier this year and the Saks light show is back from its one-year hiatus last year. I’m also excited to take Violet to see Santa at the famous Macy’s on 34th Street. It’s going to be a busy holiday season and I’m ready to make the most of it!
NYC Christmas Bucket List 2025:
- Visit Rockefeller Tree
- Visit Bryant Park
- Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show
- See all the NYC trees
- Wall Street, Washington Square Park, Seaport District, Bloomberg, Oculus, and Brookfield Place
- Go ice skating at Central Park, Bryant Park, Seaport, or Rockefeller
- Stroll through Central Park sipping hot chocolate
- See the Dyker Heights lights
- Visit the Macy’s on 34th Street Santa and pick out a new ornament
- See the festive holiday displays on 5th Avenue
- View the department store holiday windows (Macys, Bloomingdales, Bergdorfs, & Saks)
- Visit the NY Botanical Gardens Train Show
- Have drinks at a pop-up holiday bar
- Browse through the Union Square Christmas Market (avoid weekends if you can!)
- See the Christmas decor at Chelsea Market
- See the light display at Hudson Yards
- Find some festive townhomes
Christmas Bucket List
- Stock up on Trader Joe’s holiday goodies
- Decorate a gingerbread house
- Bake Christmas cookies
- Send a Christmas card
- Complete a holiday puzzle
- Deck your halls
- Get a Starbucks holiday cup
- Have a Christmas movie marathon
- Enjoy a holiday themed beverage
- Listen to Christmas music
- Make a Christmas themed charcuterie board
- Buy a chocolate advent calendar (we loved the Tony’s Chocoloney one last year)
- Light a holiday scented candle
- See Christmas lights
- Read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
- Hang stockings above the fireplace
- Drink hot chocolate while watching a Christmas movie
- Wrap Christmas presents
- Wear an ugly Christmas sweater
- Watch a cheesy Hallmark movie
What’s your favorite part of the holiday season?
